Daniel "Dan" R. Keleher

Daniel “Dan” R. Keleher, 97, a lifelong resident of Orion, passed away Friday March 7, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary, 1301 4th Street, Orion. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2025, at the funeral home in Orion. Burial will be at the Western Township Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Orion or the Orion American Legion Post 255.

Dan was born on September 30, 1927, in Moline, the son of Daniel P. and Helen (Krantz) Keleher. He was a U.S. Veteran, having served in the Army during WWII, where he was the driver for General Bradley. He married Barbara “Jean” Russell on March 5, 1949, in Orion. Dan had primarily worked as a farmer but also was an experienced corporate pilot and member of the Quiet Birdmen. In addition, he had worked diverse jobs as a business executive, carpenter, and factory manager. Dan was well known in the community as the Chairman of the Board at BankOrion.

Dan was a man of great faith and a member of the First Baptist Church, Orion. He was also a member of numerous fraternal organizations. The most important thing to Dan was his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 76 years, Jean; son, Brad (Theresa) Keleher and their 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; daughters, Dr. Angela (Don Barbarino) Keleher and Christine (David) Mitchell and their children, Daniel D. (Katherine) Mitchell and Jillian Mitchell and grandchildren, Grace and Nora Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Nicholas Reid Mitchell.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.